Can I interest you in a thick and creamy smoothie that’s loaded with protein and tastes like a slice of apple pie?

Then keep on reading 😀 I’ve got a double whammy for you guys today with a review and a recipe, so let’s skip the fancy intros and get right into the good stuff, mmmkay? I’d like you to meet the newest member of my kitchen appliance family — the Ninja Ultima blender…

The Ninja comes with a removable second blade that you can use when you have tougher things to blend like ice, frozen fruit, and nuts. Both blades work together to ensure that everything gets blended so that you’re left with smooth results and no grits or chunks. This also removes the need for a tamper.

Second, the single serve cups…

The Ninja comes with three individually sized cups (and travel lids) with a special blade that lets you attach the cups right to the base.

This is awesome in terms of convenience. I’m going to be honest with you guys here — even though I already owned a high-speed blender, I usually found myself using my little Magic Bullet because I didn’t want to go through the hassle of busting out (read: cleaning) a giant container when I was only making a single serving. Sure I could have just made a big batch in one go and stuck the leftovers in the fridge, but I find that the taste and texture of smoothies changes when they’ve been hanging out in the cold for awhile, and I prefer them when they’re fresh. In short, single serve cups are brilliant.

But what about the system as a whole? Here are my thoughts…

What I liked about the Ninja Ultima Blender:

The blender is extremely powerful. It doesn’t have a problem chewing through tough ingredients and does so without leaving any chunks behind.

The dual blades remove the need for a tamper while ensuring that everything gets blended smoothly. The blades are easy to add/remove depending on what you’re making, and the accompanying instruction booklet makes it easy to know when you need them and when you don’t.

The single serve cups are super convenient and make clean up a breeze. They’re perfect for situations when you need to grab a snack and go, attach right to the base via a special blade, and are really easy to wash.

The large container is incredibly easy to clean as well. All the pieces are dishwasher safe, and you can easily clean it between loads by adding a few drops of liquid soap to a container that’s been half-filled with water and turning the blender on.

It has so many uses! In addition to making smoothies, it’s perfect for juicing, pureeing, emulsifying dressings, chopping veggies, mixing batters, grinding meats, milling flours, and making nut butters.

It’s a lot cheaper than the Vitamix, yet comparable in power and performance.

What I didn’t like about the Ninja Ultima Blender:

It’s loud… like really loud. Living in a condo, there’s no way I’d feel comfortable using it in the early morning or later evening. And to be perfectly honest, a pair of noise-cancelling ear muffs wouldn’t hurt either 😆

The blades are super sharp. This is obviously a good thing, but it means you have to be really careful not to cut yourself when you’re cleaning it.

And what would a review be without a little demonstration? I’ve been playing around with my Ninja for a few weeks now, and although I loved using it to blend soups and chop veggies, my favourite blender creations will probably always be smoothies… and this latest creation kind of blew me away.

An apple pie protein smoothie. Nevermind the fact that we’re talking apples in spring time– they’re a year-round fruit as far as I’m concerned. They’re also a fruit I don’t normally associate with smoothies, but I only had one banana left in my fruit basket when I set out to make this bad boy, and I wasn’t willing to risk my last one. What I did have was an abundance of apples…

At first, I was worried that the lack of banana would lead to a lack of thickness and creaminess, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Not only is this smoothie eat-with-a-spoon thick thanks to the oats, but it’s incredibly creamy thanks to the almond butter and Greek yogurt. The yogurt is also responsible for giving it a serious protein punch, as well as adding a nice hint of sweetness (or tartness if you choose to go the plain yogurt route). I’m kind of smitten.

Reader Interactions

Comments

I’m obsessed with my Ninja Ultima! Have you tried shredding chicken with it? I saw you could, but have yet to do so. I’m a bit scared to be honest.. LAME i know! Ha Ha

I’ve actually made a very similar recipe… except I’ve always swapped the yogurt for cinnamon bun protein powder. Thanks for reminding me I haven’t enjoyed one in a long time. Guess I’ll be having one for dessert tonight

I have the ninja! And I agree- it’s like a jet doing circles in your kitchen it’s SO loud! I feel guilty using it even when it isn’t evening or morning! And I have indeed cut myself on those blades- mainly because I’m clumsy But will have to give this yummy smoothie a try!

Mmm, sounds yummy! Would you believe I don’t own a blender?? You can tell I’m not a margarita kinda’ gal. I’ll be using my food processor to make E some baby food though. That’s what I use to make my smoothies.

I think I feel the same way about apples that you do about bananas. 😉 I seriously want this in my life but I’m not sure my magic bullet is up for the job. I guess you will just have to make me one! It looks delicious.

I really want to get a high powered blender. Mine is a pretty standard one that can just manage smoothies – but it does the job . This smoothie looks delicious! I love wacking an apple in a smoothie, it gives it an extra hint of sweetness and some good old fibre!

It cannot get better than apple pie in drinkable form! I love apples in a smoothie – though your combo with oats and almond butter and cinnamon is really making me drool!
Amanda- your review is so well timed – I have been looking into blenders -food processors, mainly something that will help with nut grinding and have been on the fence between a Ninja and a Cuisinart . I do have a question, when you have tried your Ninja to make nutbutter, have you had to roast the nuts? And how long before the nuts become smooth nutbutter? I have a no-name blender that can grind nuts to a “crunchy” butter consistency but just won’t make creamy nutbutters.

I haven’t actually tried making nut butters yet, but I’ve read reviews that said they had no problems with it. I don’t think you have to roast the nuts, but sometimes it helps to add a little bit of neutral tasting oil to help get things going.

I tried making almond butter in my ninja and it starts smoking because it’s such a high speed blender. It takes awhile for it to become creamy. I didn’t have success and I don’t know if that’s because I roasted the almonds before or not. I’ve made almond butter previously in a regular food processor and never had any problems.

This sounds amazinggggggg
Apple pie has always been a favorite of mine, and I can seriously almost taste this baby. I need to make it soon! I’ve got a Vita, but before I did I was really looking into a Ninja. MY hubby surprised me with the Vita one day, so while I probably would’ve gotten the Ninja in the end, I cant really complain

My most used appliance is probably my Keurig or even toaster oven since it doubles as regular oven most of the time for me…I never make smoothies but I am trying to use my food processor more to get a bit more creative in my cooking.

I am waiting for the arrival of my Ninja blender. In a very very VERY blonde moment I killed my first one the secind I plugged it in here in SWITZERLAND….oh well. I can not wait for it to arrive. And I will definitely whip up this smoothie, but I love even more to make my own nutbutters.

I really need a new blender. I have a single serve one, and I actually am not a fan of that. I mean, it’s nice if I wasn’t putting much in. However, when I’m stuffing frozen bananas, and frozen fruit, and spinach, and sometimes protein powder, it just gets crowded and things don’t blend as well! But, this smoothie. Oh man it looks so good! I have gotten into a smoothie kick again and I love it!

Wow this is a new one. I admit I’m kind of skeptical of the lack of banana…but I know I love me some apple pie, so why not in smoothie form 😉
I don’t have a Ninja but I know for a fact that I HATE using Mum’s huge heavyweight blender, so the addition of these single-serving cups really make this machine appealing. Goodness, if it wasn’t for the hand blender I think I would not be having smoothies often..or even not have tried making them.

Yes, you absolutely can interest me in this apple pie protein smoothie! I have been on an almond milk, almond butter, raspberry, protein smoothie kick lately and while the combination is delicious, I would love to mix it up a bit more. Not to mention, the weather has been really fall-like the last couple days, and what better treat than a recipe with apples in it

I have absolutely no complaints about this blender aside from how loud it is — it really does an amazing job when it comes to blending things smoothly. And the single serve cups are probably my favourite part.

Oh this sounds good! I got a vitamix for Christmas and have been in love with it, but like the ninja it is really loud! I’m loving tryin smoothies now that they are so much easier and smoother. I have to add this to my list of smoothies to try. It sounds like it would be really filling with the yogurt and nuts too.

My most used kitchen appliance is probably my KitchenAid mixer. I’m definitely a baker. To be honest, the only thing I used a blender for was for smoothies. Everything else (soups, nut butters, etc.) I use our food processor. Like you, I am WAY too lazy to clean a blender. Even cleaning my food processor pisses me off. Ha!

Mmmm that looks delicious! I LOVE smoothies and use my Ultima to make them too, but you’re so right about the noise. I live in a condo too and would never use it early morning or late at night. But it is literally the best blender I’ve ever had. I am never left with any ice chunks or fruit chunks. It makes a super smooth smoothie

Love all the ingredients you used girl! I have a smoothie pretty much every day, so I love to find new recipes. I like that you don’t have to use protein powder. I usually don’t use it, and prefer using yogurt instead. Thanks for sharing, Amanda. Hope you have a wonderful Monday

The apple pie smoothie looks and sounds so good! I appreciated the Ninja review. I have been eyeing them for some time now and would love to own one. My current blender is el cheap-o and therefore incapable of blending an apple. One of the reasons I would like a better blender is to be able to make bites/balls of bliss.
The toaster oven is probably my most used kitchen appliance. In addition to the obvious (toast) I like to make pita or tortilla pizzas or simply warm a wrap.

Hmm….does an oven count? Because I fire up that bad boy about 3 times a day. I am waiting for the day that thing breaks and my world will come crashing down in a matter of mili-seconds. Until then, my oven wins the most used & abused award.

I currently use the NutriBullet (which isn’t my ideal blender…) after being spoiled with my mums Vitamix! I still need to find a way to ninja that from her. Or perhaps I should invest in this beauty? Hmm…

I like to make cauliflower mash, pancake batter, and smoothies in my blender. Until it starts spitting things out at me (hence, not my ideal blender). Sigh, infomercials got the best of me.

I love your apple pie smoothie! I love apples so it was meant for me I’m sure. Great review on the Ninja. I have an old Kitchen Aid blender surprisingly, it does a decent job. It’s so old it’s the glass kind. I prefer the glass vs the plastic which is why I haven’t replaced it. I like the single cup option with this.

Why yes you can interest me in a smoothie that taste like apple pie. But then again, anything you make will take a hold on me.

My Ninja isn’t the Ultima, it’s the one model below that I think. I have like really basic speed settings. But it is SOOOO loud. Otherwise, I really enjoy using it. I have to always watch when I’m home and my dad is sleeping though, it def wakes him up. And I didn’t even consider bringing it to school for that reason + the fact that my roommates would prob accidentally die from blade cuts.

Oh my goodness! SO so jealous! I’ve had my eye on the Ninja for quite some time now, but I just can’t bring myself to get it because I have a blender. However, considering this is like a blender/magic bullet/ and food processor in one…I may just have to!!!

Congrats on the new kitchen appliance 😉 the blender sounds superb! And I guess we should rename “spoons” into “straws” due to all the delicious smoothie recipes you’ve came up with recently. This addiction is truly contagious, I’ve found myself craving smoothies recently and though I prefer mine with a handful of greens and don’t really enjoy yogurt as much, I am pretty sure that you are the source of inspiration. Can’t complain, keep them coming!

That smoothie sounds delicious! I love to try new things in my smoothie, but don’t ever put arugula in your smoothie. I did by accident since it was mixed with spinach and it wasn’t the best tasting smoothie I had. Hard to hide the bitterness.

I have the Ninja too! I love using the single serve for smoothies, but I am falling out of love with mine. It just does not make good nut butters. Maybe the container is to big, but it never ever gets creamy even after 30 minutes of blending :/

yummmmmm apple pie smoothie !??!?!? This looks so creamy and delicious I want to make it now.. I am currently debating a blender upgrade myself.. so was happy you shared your pros and cons. I really want a Vitamix but the price point is really high so maybe a Ninja would be great !? Not sure about the noise though, i often make smoothies in the morning, ahhh decisions decisions.

What’s a pretty blender! And no protein powder in there? Nice! I was telling my mate yesterday how I need a go to smoothie recipe without protein powder- I’ve tried cottage cheese but not Greek yogurt!

I’ve been dying for a good blender! When I see people using a Vitamix or Ninja I get so jealous! A blender is definitely on my wish list for when I either graduate and have a real job, or get married and can ask for stupidly expensive things My most used gadget is my food processor. I am a nut butter making addict!

Holy yum! This recipe makes me want to go buy apples immediately and make this. I have a Magic Bullet and it works well for what I need it to do, but I hate how there are always little ice chunks when I’m done. Your blender is beautiful.

This is a protein smoothie I could get down with.
I’m digging the solo cup size. Since I hand wash my entire blender like four times a week, this would be a vast improvement. Mine also sounds like a helicopter about to take off so you’re not alone there.

Isn’t the blender amazing. It is like my baby. Apple season is coming to a close around here, but this almost makes me want fall all over again. Almost. 😉 Also, this smoothie has all my favorite things in it, I didn’t even know that was possible. You are a smoothie mastermind, my friend.

First off, I love my Ninja!!! I got it for Christmas and the single serving cups I use for my smoothies and the large guy I use to purée veggies which I sneak in to my toddler’s food. It is the only thing that has smoothed everything down so she doesn’t suspect.
Second and most important, I’m in love with your oatmeal cookie smoothie and I ran out of bananas. I’ve been worried about what to make for breakfast and I have several apples plus all other ingredients. So very excited to try this smoothie for breakfast. Thank you for your excellent timing and smoothie recipes that get my indulgent sweet cinnamon cravings taken care of in a nutrient dense way.

I have to say that my mom’s homemade apple pie is the pure winner of my heart. Having it in smoothie form? Um.. yes please! I haven’t been able to find a good recipe, and well, I think I just found one. 😀

Mmmmm sounds wonderful! I am loving all the smoothie recipes that are starting to appear My most used appliance….other than my kettle for tea….does that count? Is probably my food processor! It is my newest toy and I LOVE it…..but dont worry Kitchen aid, you are still up there

I’m so torn on investing in a good food processor! I feel like it’s one of those things that everyone should have, but then I’m not sure if there’s a point since I can probably do most things in my blenders anyways. Ack. Decisions.

Ohhh another smoothie recipe!!! Awesome! I’m staring at the pictures and looking foward to get home and make it!! This morning I had your Chocolate smoothie and that made my day start so happy… and now this! Good for me I have a ton of apples at home!

I have a smaller Ninja and it has been great, but you are right about it being super loud. I almost don’t want to make my smoothie’s in the morning because I am afraid I will wake up Joseph! I’ve gone as far as taking it in a different room to blend!

This is a phenomenal recipe! Wholesome, dessert-y, and delicious. 😀 And wow…the Ninja Blender sounds sooo cool. Pretty much like a vitamix, but more convenient as in a Magic Bullet. I love the bullet because it’s so easy to use–but it seems to struggle a bit in the area of hard chunks.

I really want to get myself a high powered blender or go all out and get a Vitamix or Thermomix. Especially with delicious recipes like this. I have heard they can be really really loud though but worth it for a delicious smoothie 😉

I gotta say, I used my Magic Bullet more than anything else in my kitchen…until the day it spun its last spin. Womp womp! I’ve got a big boy blender now and while I’ve learned that a plastic mixing spoon should NEVER be used as a tamper, I have to say, it’s really not as horrible as I thought it would be to clean. And bonus points for not waking the neighbors when using it. 😀 Still, I’d have to say my MOST used kitchen appliance would probably be my new food processor! Only showing up my pancake griddle well for obvious lack of pancake-loving reasons at the moment. But yeah, nut butter, energy bites, pesto…I’m on a roll! Now I just need to make some hummus to really christen it! 😉

Thanks for the review! I really want to get a high powered blender and I’ve been thinking about the Ninja. I HAVE to try this smoothie…I didn’t even know apples could go in smoothies, looks delicious!!

Just tried this for lunch. Great fall recipe! I’ve been on a smoothie kick lately and this was great! I substituted almond butter for peanut butter and low fat blueberry yogurt for vanilla because that all I had. There’s a slight peanut taste, but no blueberry. Nice for something different! Wouldn’t have it everyday though.

Hi! I recently came across a smoothie recipe of yours that my friend pinned on Pinterest and I quickly found a bunch more that I was eager to try right away. I’ve been trying out a new one of your dessert smoothies every day this week and they are to die for! I’ve seen so many recipes that provide a few of the ingredients of popular desserts but you use just the right combination of everything to make it feel like I really am drinking a liquid version of my favourite sweets. Anyway, just thought I would let you know that your smoothies are so good that I felt compelled to write a thank-you comment Keep it up, excited to try the rest of the recipes I found!

I love this smoothie! I made it today for the first time and added a tablespoon of hemp hearts. I used skim milk and plain icelandic yogurt and added an additional half teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Have you tried making this as an overnight smoothie? I like to prepare most of the smoothie the night before to save time in the morning. Do you think I should add the yogurt the night before or add it in the morning with the apple?
Thanks for all the awesome recipes, haven’t been disappointed with any of the spoons recipes I tried

I’m so glad you liked it, Gidde! I’ve never tried this particular one as an overnight smoothie, but it’s something I do quite often with other recipes and never have a problem. You’d probably be fine putting the yogurt in overnight!